Indian Railways plans 'Make in India' wheels for trains

Indian Railways is planning to reduce its import dependence on Russia, China and European countries for forged wheels for its trains and locomotives. Currently, they have been importing it from the Czech Republic, Brazil, Romani, Japan, China, Ukraine, Russia and the UK since the 1960s.

The supply was for wheels was hit last year as a fallout of ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. According to railways, at present the requirement for wheels is being met from China. The issue came into light last year when the production of Vande Bharat Express rakes was hit due to the delay in import of wheels from Ukraine.

Tender for setting up plant was floated last year for the manufacture of 80,000 wheels per annum over the next 20 years. The tender was recently opened and the consortium of Ramakrishna Forgings and Titagarh Wagons has emerged as the lowest bidder.

In 2022-23, 80,000 wheels worth Rs 520 crore were imported from China and Russia while the remaining 40,000 were sourced from SAIL.

According to Indian Railways estimation the requirement of wheels will go up to Rs 2 lakh per annum by 2026 with the induction of more semi-high speed trains.

At present, SAIL can manufacture 40,000 wheels per annum for railways.

Shri Prakash, former Railway Board Member says that the project is a "very good step" in the right direction. "This is an important step. The domestic manufacturers need to ensure that the quality of the steel used is up to the mark," he told TOI. Railway expert G Raghuram also calls it a much-needed initiative. "With the induction of Vande Bharat trains and more semi-high speed trains, the demand for forged wheels will go up, so it makes sense to step up the domestic manufacturing capacity," he told TOI.

Ramakrishna Forgings, has to set up the manufacturing facility within 36 months from award date. According to Indian Railways, considering the learning curve and economies of volume, the price applicable will be reduced by 2% every year up to 3 years. The 4th year onwards the applicable price will be 94% of the quoted price which is valid for the balance period.

According to a TOI report, Indian Railways will procure 80,000 wheels every year at Rs 600 crore every year to begin with. After meeting the requirement of Indian Railways, the manufacturer will be allowed to export these wheels as well.

With the setting up of the new plant for forged wheels, Indian Railways hopes to soon meet the entire requirement of forged wheels for its locomotives and trains domestically.